B Mirror Report:  Operations at Chattogram Port were disrupted once again today as workers and staff staged an eight-hour work stoppage for the third straight day.

The Chattogram Bandar Rokkha Sangram Parishad and the Chattogram Port unit of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organized the protest, which started at 8:00 a.m. and called for the government to abandon its intention to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the UAE-based business DP World.

Port users said handling of containers and bulk cargo at several jetties came to a near standstill from the morning, severely affecting vessel operations.

Delivery of goods from port yards was also suspended, while movement of containers between Chattogram Port and 19 privately operated inland container depots remained halted due to the strike.

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) termed the work abstention “unwarranted,” noting that no formal agreement has yet been signed regarding the leasing of the NCT.

Meanwhile, the CPA issued transfer orders for 12 employees in two phases last evening, bringing the total number of transferred staff to 16.

Protesters claimed the transferred officials were actively involved in the demonstrations.

A leader of the Sramik Dal alleged that the port authority had prepared a list of around 200 employees participating in the protest and was gradually transferring them in an effort to weaken the movement.

The demonstrators described the transfers as a pressure tactic to suppress the agitation.

However, CPA Director (Administration) Md Omar Faruk said the transfers were part of routine administrative measures taken for official needs and had no connection to the ongoing protest.